FAQs

A watershed is an area of land where all water from rain or melting snow drains into a common waterbody like a river, creek, or lake. With respect to the Chedoke Creek watershed, rain and snowmelt generally flows from individual properties into catch basins, then into storm pipes that outlet into stormwater management facilities or directly into Chedoke Creek. The water then drains into Cootes Paradise, into Hamilton Harbour, and ultimately into Lake Ontario.

Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns, and other surfaces. It often flows into storm sewers and can carry pollutants like oil, chemicals, and debris into waterways.

A separated storm sewer system carries only stormwater, not sewage, directly to nearby creeks or rivers. It’s different from a combined sewer system, which carries both stormwater and wastewater to the wastewater treatment facility.

A CSO happens when a combined sewer system, designed to carry both sewage and stormwater, overflows during heavy rain discharging untreated or partially treated wastewater into local waterways. This is done to protect against basement flooding and maintaining safe operation of the wastewater treatment plant.

In 2018, it was discovered that a large volume of untreated wastewater had spilled into Chedoke Creek over a period of several years. This spill had significant impacts on water quality in the creek and the connected ecosystems, including Cootes Paradise and Hamilton Harbour. 

View more background and technical reports regarding the Chedoke Creek spill and remediation efforts

This is a planning process used by municipalities in Ontario to evaluate and document potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of infrastructure projects. A Master Plan looks at broad, long-term needs and outlines how to address them.

These are upgrades or improvements to existing stormwater infrastructure (like ponds or pipes) to help reduce pollution and improve the quality of water flowing into local creeks or rivers.

This refers to a treatment solution placed at the final point where stormwater exits a pipe before entering a waterway. Examples include filters, stormwater ponds (acting as sediment traps), or constructed wetlands.

These are techniques used to manage stormwater as it flows through the system. For example, by slowing it down, filtering it, or directing it through more environmentally friendly paths.

LID refers to small-scale, natural solutions that manage stormwater close to where it falls. Examples include rain gardens, permeable pavement, green roofs, and bioswales.

Your feedback helps ensure that the solutions chosen reflect community values, environmental goals, and practical needs. It also helps the City make informed, transparent decisions.